Isn't is the same about Russia? Not all top skaters take part in Cup of Russia series.

Situation in Japan is unknown for me.

In Russia situation is simple.
8th or higher place at JGP Event - qualified to Junior nationals.
Final of JGP - also to Senior nationals.
8th or higher place at GP Event - qualified to Senior nationals.
Twice or more champion of Worlds and-or Euro (and show good skating at test skate) - qualified to Senior Nationals (test skate may be non-formal - some of Figure Skating Federation leaders may visit skating ring and ask to show a program).
BTW, this "non-formal" test skate is often used in Russia. I know that representatives of Federation led by Gorshkov (President of Federation) this season visited skating rings to solve does a skater deserve JGP Event.

And "I have a dream" - novice Crystal Skate in Odintsovo (near Moscow, Russia) now is only for CIS and Baltic (in fact it means Rissia and not so good other skaters) to be open for skaters from USA and Japan. Pre-junior best skaters could have their early Internationals.

It's too bad about how poorly Haruna Suzuki is doing right now :( For the last couple of years she was one of my favorite Japanese juniors. I hope she's just working though some kinks and she'll get better again. Also too bad for Miu Sato... I'm impressed with Yuka Nagai coming up from 8th in the SP to win even if the scores were nothing special.

Junior National Championship

... will take place in Tokyo DyDo Drink Ice Arena this Sat/Sun. Thanks to Akiko Suzuki who uploaded this backstage photo in her blog: http://ameblo.jp/suzuki-akko/image-1...286896832.html
I am mainly interested in the duel of Hino and Tanaka, both cracked 200 at Regionals, so it's fun to see who will get the final prize (will make it on Sunday only, unfortunately).